Sandiaga Menparekraf, NasDem Politician: His Statement During The Presidential Election About Jokowi Being Unable, Hoaks Dong

Sandiaga Uno during the 2019 presidential election campaign (DOK. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the DPP NasDem Party, Irma Suryani, responded to Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno's election as Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf).

With Sandiaga's entry as an assistant to President Joko Widodo, it proves that Sandiaga's words that considered Jokowi unable to lead when competing in the 2019 Presidential Election were a lie.

"With Sandi's entry into the cabinet, it means that his statement during the Presidential Election regarding Jokowi's inability to become president turned out to be a hoax," said Irma to VOI, Tuesday, December 22.

However, Irma said that Sandiaga's appointment as minister was entirely Jokowi's prerogative as President of the Republic of Indonesia. He hopes Sandiaga will be able to restore the tourism business sector and creative economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By appointing cadres of the Gerindra Party who were not included in Jokowi's coalition during the 2019 Election contest, Irma hopes that Jokowi will continue to respect his coalition party.

"I will be disappointed if coalition comrades who are struggling and have the capacity, capability and accountability are not treated. In the future, Indonesia will be safe and peaceful, as long as opponents are embraced and friends are treated (paid attention)," he added.

As previously reported, Sandiaga Uno was appointed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to become Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. Sandiaga is the Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party Board of Trustees.

"Second, I want to introduce you, but we all know Mr. Sandiaga Uno. He used to be the deputy governor of DKI Jakarta, Chairman of HIPMI and now we will give him the responsibility to lead the ministry of tourism and creative economy, "said Jokowi introducing his new minister at the State Palace.

Apart from Sandiaga, Jokowi also appointed five new ministers in their cabinet, namely Tri Risma Harini as Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos), Sakti Wahyu Trenggono as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Budi Gunadi Sadikin as Minister of Health, Yaqut Cholil Coumas as Minister of Religion, and Muhammad Lutfi as Minister Minister of Trade.